Artificial Intelligence: Podcast Playlist

Self-driving cars, autonomous weapons, or human-like robots are products of the distant or not so distant future. However, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our daily lives through programs such as Siri, Google search algorithms, and Twitterbots. Because of its vast scope and potential for both good and harm, AI raises numerous ethical and safety concerns. Rather than delving into the technicalities of AI or machine learning, this podcast playlist was created to spark discussion around some of the ways that AI may affect individuals across the globe.

(This listening list was curated by the Atlanta chapter of Podcast Brunch Club)

Guardian Science Weekly – Questioning AI: Does artificial intelligence need an off switch? In 1997, Garry Kasparov famously lost his rematch with IBM’s Deep Blue, marking the first time a reigning world champion had been defeated by a program under tournament conditions. Much of the press that followed was predictably hyperbolic, with headlines questioning whether a “Terminator scenario” was just around the corner. Twenty years on, the potential danger posed by powerful AI is in the spotlight once again. It’s a concern that leads to the fourth and final question of this mini-series: if we cannot align AI with our own goals and values, do these systems need an off switch? Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Play // 41 minutes, January 2018

IRL: Online Life is Real Life – Bot or Not From politics to poetry, bots are playing an increasingly visible role in culture. Veronica Belmont investigates the rise of social media bots with Lauren Kunze and Jenn Schiffer. Butter.ai’s Jack Hirsch talks about what happens when your profile is stolen by a political bot. Lisa-Maria Neudert measures how bots influence politics. Ben Nimmo teaches us how to spot and take down bot armies. And Tim Hwang explores how bots can connect us in surprising, and meaningful, new ways. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Play // 28 minutes, January 2018

[BONUS EPISODE]Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates – Should we trust the promise of Artificial Intelligence? As technology rapidly progresses, some proponents of artificial intelligence believe that it will help solve complex social challenges and offer immortality via virtual humans. But AI’s critics are sounding the alarm, going so far as to call its development an “existential threat” to mankind. Is this the stuff of science fiction? Could the “Terminator” become reality, or will these fears prevent the next technological revolution? Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Play // 51 minutes, March 2016

Roundup of the Artificial Intelligence podcast playlist [Episode 34] In this roundup episode, Sara and Adela chat about the podcast listening list on Artificial Intelligence. We also get answers from creators and members on the question, “What excites you and scares you about artificial intelligence?” Adela and Sara then diverge from the listening list and talk about the plan for Podcast Brunch Club in December and the idea of doing a deep dive into the Last Seen podcast. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Play // 42 minutes, November 2018

Max Sanderson, producer at The Guardian Podcasts [Episode 36] Sara interviews Max Sanderson, lead producer on an episode we listened to from The Guardian’s Science Weekly podcast. PBC members worldwide listened to a podcast playlist on Artificial Intelligence. The Science Weekly episode called “Questioning AI: does artificial intelligence need and off switch?” was included. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Play // 20 minutes, December 2018

Conversation Starter Questions

What is your perspective on the role of AI in education? Do you see AI as augmenting current teaching or replacing it?

What do you think is the optimal role of AI in education globally?

In what ways do you interact with bots in your daily life?

What excites and scares you most about AI?

What is the role of ethics in AI? Can or should AI be programmed with an ethical code? Whose responsibility should it be?

How secure do you think your job is from being replaced by AI? Which jobs do you think will be the first to be replaced?

Do you believe AI poses an existential threat to society?

What are the risks of bias in AI? How can bias in AI be addressed?

DJ RuggedAngel’s Music Playlist

Our resident DJ has curated this music playlist on Artificial Intelligence!